What would you guys do?

I'm wondering whether to ask for a c section, but really worried about the recovery.

A bit of a background story - my first child is 3 yrs now, at my 20 week scan with him we found out he had a condition which meant he had too much fluid within his brain. I had a very traumatic vaginal delivery with him causing him to have a bleed on his brain - he was back to back, I struggled to deliver and his heart rate was all over the place. He needed to be ventilated and spent a short amount of time on NICU.
He is like your typical 3 year old but is unable to walk due to the bleed causing problems with the muscles in his legs (presents like Cerebral Palsy)

So far everything seems really good with baby no. 2. I'm 30 weeks pregnant now, and having regular scans. A few weeks ago ectopic heartbeats were picked up at the midwife, I had a 4d scan which also showed the irregular heartbeats. We've been told they're not sure why It's happening and baby will need to be assessed when born. Not only this, baby is also in a frank breech position (it's feet are up by it's head) I know I still have 6 weeks for baby to turn but it's not moved at all and has been in this position for a while.

I'm worrying about everthing, the physical aspect of the Labour, the heartbeat being irregular and then obviously baby is breech.
Would you guys consider asking about a planned c section? I'm worried it's going to be a tough recovery and don't want to make it hard on myself with having a 3 year old who still needs help getting about.

Comments (10)

I would probably ask for a c section (I haven’t had one btw) but if there may be problems delivering and he needs to be assessed when he’s born, it would make it easier to arrange the Drs etc who are needed to be available. Also it allows you to sort childcare for your other little one. I know the recovery can take longer, and that is what you would have to factor in, but having listened to your worries it sounds like you will find the run up to labour more stressful than a planned recovery afterwards. Good luck whatever you decide, there’s no right or wrong, only what you think may work best for you xx

I haven't had a c-section so only know what I read about it. My first delivery was natural and with no complication so until I'm forced I wouldn't go for a c-section. Main reason is active 2-year old home, I still need to take care of her so the fastest recovery is the best. I read that it takes quite a time after a c-section.

Hi, I had an emcs with my daughter and I am planning on one again. I have never had a vaginal birth so can't comment on the difference. In my experience, I did not find the section that bad. Yes it was painful and the 1st couple of nights were uncomfortable but one pain was managed it was about (for me) taking things at a manageable pace, not always easy with kids. My friend who had a vaginal birth 5 years ago had a section 2 years ago due to her son being breech. She was really worried about it, after wards she said that it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be and if she ever wanted more children she would happily have a section.

Personally, I would weigh up the pros and cons. Also whether you have some support around after the birth as you recover a bit. I don't know if this helps or confuses. X

I haven't had a c-section so only know what I read about it. My first del...

Posted
09/08/2018

I haven't had a c-section so only know what I read about it. My first delivery was natural and with no complication so until I'm forced I wouldn't go for a c-section. Main reason is active 2-year old home, I still need to take care of her so the fastest recovery is the best. I read that it takes quite a time after a c-section.

Yeah the main worry I have is the recovery. My sister has had 2 sections and she was up and about the next day with both of them. But not everyone is the same and she wasn't in the same position In regards to having a child with additional needs.

Hi, I had an emcs with my daughter and I am planning on one again. I have ne...

Posted
09/08/2018

Hi, I had an emcs with my daughter and I am planning on one again. I have never had a vaginal birth so can't comment on the difference. In my experience, I did not find the section that bad. Yes it was painful and the 1st couple of nights were uncomfortable but one pain was managed it was about (for me) taking things at a manageable pace, not always easy with kids. My friend who had a vaginal birth 5 years ago had a section 2 years ago due to her son being breech. She was really worried about it, after wards she said that it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be and if she ever wanted more children she would happily have a section.

Personally, I would weigh up the pros and cons. Also whether you have some support around after the birth as you recover a bit. I don't know if this helps or confuses. X

Thankyou.
I'm such a wuss when it comes to pain too haha! I'm dreading the pain of a c section but also have seen people have no problems at all

Also majority of my side of the family are away for a 2 week cruise when I'm due so worrying about having to rely on partners family who I'm not 100% comfortable with!

I had a traumatic natural birth with my 1st, he'll be 2.5 when this one arrives. After lots of agonising I requested a c-section. I weighed up all my options, did lots of research and made sure that I would have support at home for 6 weeks post surgery before requesting it. I also spoke to people that have had sections before to get a truthful account of their experiences and an honest opinion of whether they would have a section again, especially with a toddler to consider. Once I'd made the decision I wrote a letter to the consultant fully outlining my reasons for the request, making it clear that I had considered all options, understood the risks and that should the consultant decline my request I would require them to refer me elsewhere (Basically so they knew I wasn't going to be put off!). My request has been accepted and I'm so much happier knowing their is a plan in place rather than things being left to chance. I figured I can always pull out of a section if I change my mind, but I wouldn't be able to get a section at the last minute

I had a traumatic natural birth with my 1st, he'll be 2.5 when this one a...

Posted
09/08/2018

I had a traumatic natural birth with my 1st, he'll be 2.5 when this one arrives. After lots of agonising I requested a c-section. I weighed up all my options, did lots of research and made sure that I would have support at home for 6 weeks post surgery before requesting it. I also spoke to people that have had sections before to get a truthful account of their experiences and an honest opinion of whether they would have a section again, especially with a toddler to consider. Once I'd made the decision I wrote a letter to the consultant fully outlining my reasons for the request, making it clear that I had considered all options, understood the risks and that should the consultant decline my request I would require them to refer me elsewhere (Basically so they knew I wasn't going to be put off!). My request has been accepted and I'm so much happier knowing their is a plan in place rather than things being left to chance. I figured I can always pull out of a section if I change my mind, but I wouldn't be able to get a section at the last minute

Yeah I've asked about people's real life experiences of it and how they handled a toddler also.
Writing everything in a letter is a good idea, will write everything down and see what happens.
Good point about Changing mind at last min also! Thankyou.

How many weeks will you be when you have your section? Or haven't you been given a date yet?

Yeah I've asked about people's real life experiences of it and how th...

Posted
09/08/2018

Yeah I've asked about people's real life experiences of it and how they handled a toddler also.
Writing everything in a letter is a good idea, will write everything down and see what happens.
Good point about Changing mind at last min also! Thankyou.

How many weeks will you be when you have your section? Or haven't you been given a date yet?

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